Whiskey Obsession festival "pours" into Michael's on East

I became an avid whiskey drinker shortly before the demise of Creative Loafing in Sarasota. Having read an article in the erstwhile publication about Yamazaki Japanese Single Malt Whisky (generally spelled with an "e" if there is an "e" in the country of origin) I opted to purchase a bottle, taken in by the promise of citrus notes and a light, clean finish. In the end I was grateful, learning there was more to whiskey than Jim Beam and Jack Daniels, the only two gentlemen I could afford to take on a date in college.

As a freelance writer I still can’t afford much, but I have learned that attending tastings is a great way to try an assortment of premium whiskeys on the cheap. For the last few years, Sarasota whiskey maven Turner C. Moore has hosted bi-monthly tastings in the Wine Cellar at Michael’s on East, pairing great spirits with delectable bites while offering an education on whiskies from around the world. In the span of two hours, guests can compare tasting notes, learn about production and maturation and take a virtual tour of distilleries.

Plus, who doesn’t like getting a bit tipsy?

“It’s really about education, not intoxication,” Moore reminded me during a media junket before a recent tasting.

But I can’t help it. I’m a lightweight. It’s why I was popular in college. Back then I was a sure thing if the right candidate bought me a drink. Now I’m polished; my palate is more refined. I prefer the Macallan 18 to the 12-year and I’ve recently been hooked on Irish whiskey, reaching for a dram of Bushmills before opting for a beer.

And now is a great time to be a whiskey fan in Sarasota. This April, Moore is organizing the first whiskey festival in Southwest Florida, aptly titled Whiskey Obsession. This inaugural event will be held in the ballroom at Michael’s on East and feature 150 spirits from 70 brands. Fifteen distillers and professional brand ambassadors will be on hand to host classes and talk about their respective whiskies in detail.

The two-night event kicks off with The Panel of Whiskey Experts at 7 p.m. on Thursday, April 18 in Michael’s Wine Cellar, featuring eight industry professionals presenting and discussing their favorite spirits. The main event, The Grand Tasting, will be held on Friday, April 19 in the ballroom, with VIP access at 6:30 p.m. and general admission at 7:30 p.m. Complete schedule and ticket information can be found here .

Some of the many brands served will include Evan Williams, Macallan, Glenfiddich, Ardbeg, Balvenie, Compass Box, Four Roses and Jameson. The official after party will be held at Sarasota's newest restaurant and downtown hotspot M.A.D.E.

Moore states, “I’m excited to host this educational, connoisseur-level event in Sarasota. Take your friends and take a cab.”

As for me, I aim to take in more whiskey than my share. Perhaps I’ll offer a class of my own: "The Art of Popularity in College." It should be quite entertaining for such a distinguished crowd.

Whiskey Obsession Festival

April 18 - 19, 2013

Michael's on East

1212 East Ave.

Sarasota, FL 34239

Purchase tickets here.